chapter 13
Jallal was lying on his king-sized bed at the penthouse of Mohammed International Holdings, Inc. Office Building. He was
groaning like a wounded animal. His body was aching after his physical fight with Surya last night. He forced himself to get up and went to the bathroom. After a few minutes, he went
out of the shower with a towel around his waist. His body was aching so badly that he went back to bed and sprung his body onto it. On the other hand, Jodha was restless and kept on
checking her wristwatch. Jallal had a meeting with the board of directors this morning. It was already ten oclock and he was not yet in his office. What happened to him? Her eyebrow creased.
They worked overtime last night, preparing for todays
presentation and where is he now?
She became so uneasy that she went to Abduls office to
ask him.
Hi Abdul, do you know, where Jallal is?
Hes still on his bed, in his penthouse. He instructed me not to disturb him.
Jodha frowned. Really? Is he alone? Jodha was
curious.
I dont know. Abdul answered and smiled at her.
He wanted to see her reaction on this. She might think that his boss had a lover in his bed right now. He knew his boss was
upstairs in his penthouse, still on his bed resting due to muscle strain after fighting with Surya last night. Jallal called him to
inform the board of directors that the board meeting was
moved tomorrow.
Jodhas shoulders slumped. Jallal would never change. He was on his bed, with his lover. She hated the thought of him in tangled sheets with his lover. She felt a sudden gush of jealousy
inside her. She couldnt understand Jallal. When he kissed her
in his office, she saw intense desire in his eyes. She believed that he really wanted her so much. But he took back what hed said.
She was hurt and felt rejected. Then, when Surya gave her flowers, Jallal was like a jealous boyfriend. He threw the flowers out of her window, and replaced it with dozens of roses. What does he really want from me? Right now, Jodha was so
upset. They worked overtime last night for the presentation because Jallal said, it was urgent. And now, he was on his bed,
and probably with his mistress!
This is unfair. Her dinner With Surya was almost cancelled because Jallal wanted to finish the presentation last night.
Good thing, Surya made an extra effort in setting up
that wonderful dinner at the rooftop. Jallal is a very inconsiderate, manipulative and controlling jerk! Full of rage, Jodha left Abduls office and headed to the elevator. She had to make him see sense. She would drag him out of his bed and of his lover if she had to.
She pushed the P button of the elevator angrily. After a while, the elevator stopped and opened. She saw an oak wood door and immediately went towards it. She turned the knob and it instantly
open. Jodha entered slowly. It was her first time in Jallals penthouse. The living room looked so warm and comfortable, with modern designed brown sofa, a big TV screen, pool table
and Porsche book on the coffee table. The ornaments were so simple and very masculine. The flooring was covered with beige carpet and the walls were partly made of glass. She knew Jallal used this penthouse for convenience during working days. Every weekend, he went home to his mansion just outside Japan.
Jallal? Jodha called out his name.
She saw a slightly open door and went towards it. She pushed the door slowly and saw Jallal lying on his bed with his chest pressed to the mattress. His arms were extended above his head, and he was only wearing a towel.
My goodness! He really has a gorgeous body.
She entered the room, wondering if he had a companion. But there was no trace of a womans clothes, shoes or underwear
in the room. She went closer to Jallal. Oh my God! What happened to him? She was so shocked seeing the ugly bruises on
his back, his arms and face. Where did he get these bruises? She remembered Surya. He had bruises too. Her heart was beating so
fast. Who did this to them? Jodha touched Jallals shoulder to wake him up. For heavens sake, hes burning with fever. His face
is so flushed.
Jallal, Jallal, wake up.
He groaned. Leave me alone.
You are so hot! Jodha exclaimed.
I know. Jallal answered.
Jodha blushed, then suddenly frowned. I didnt mean hot as in HOT! My goodness, I mean you are burning with fever.
Im f..ine Jodha. Why are.. you.. here? Jallal murmured, eyes closed and not moving.
You have a board meeting this morning. Youre going to
present your business plans.
I told Abdul to postpone the meeting. He said, sleepily.
Oh
Please go now. I dont want you seeing me like this.
Jodha disliked being dismissed abruptly. She stared at him intensely.
Why do you have these bruises? What happened to you?
I was hit by a bulldozer last night.
Youre kidding me, right. Surya had the same bruises when he dropped by at my hotel suite this morning. Were you in a fight? Who did this to both of you.
Jallal suddenly opened his eyes and glared at her.
Tell me the truth, what really happened! She raised
her voice.
I told you Jodha, and please, stop yelling, my head hurt. He growled. She inhaled deeply. He wouldnt tell me the truth.
You have to take a medicine for your fever. Do you have a
Tylenol here?
Maybe. Just check my medicine cabinet in the bathroom please.
Jodha went to the bathroom and checked the medicine cabinet. Ugh! She saw small boxes of condoms in different flavors. Curiously, she read each
condom label. Baileys
What? A liquor condom? My goodness. Then picked the
other boxes, Mountain Dew, Skittle, Beer, Mango,
Chocolate, Curry, Coffee, Gravy, Apple, Mint, Strawberry, Bacon and Cheese . Her eyes rolled. Ugh! Men! She
couldnt believe Jallal had these weird condom flavors!
At the bottom of the cabinet, she saw bottles of vitamins and medicines. Well, hes lucky he has a bottle of Tylenol.
She took a glass of water in the kitchen and went back to
Jallals bedroom.
Come on, turn over, you have to take this medicine.
I cant move. My body aches. Jallal groaned.
You have to take this, or you wont get well. Come on,
Ill help you. She touched and pulled his shoulders to
turn his back on the mattress. He was so heavy
that she pulled him so hard. Finally, she was able to
succeed in turning him over, but his back was leaning on
her chest. She put her arms around him, holding him for
a while and catching her breath. He smelled of soap
and shaving cream. He had taken a bath this morning.
Then she reached for the medicine and water.
Here, take this. Its Tylenol, for your fever and muscle
pain. She brought the medicine to his mouth and had him drink the water.Jallals left arm was between Jodhas legs. It stirred burning sensations inside her. She slowly moved to get up.
Dont move. Im comfortable with this position. He said without opening his eyes.
Jodha stilled. But you are so heavy. My back already ached. Then Jallal moved so she could slide out behind his back.
Jallal fell asleep. He woke up with the smell of food. He opened his eyes and saw beef steak, rice and beans,
orange and soup on the bedside table. His stomach gurgled and he instantly felt hungry.
Good, youre awake. You have to eat to get well.
Jodha said, touching his forehead. Well, you are not hot anymore, but you still have to take your medicine to recover fully.
What time is it? Have you eaten?
Yup, I had my lunch already and its one in the afternoon. Youve been sleeping for almost three hours. She said while taking the shirt and pajama that
she placed in the drawer.
Here, put this on so you can eat.
Yes, maam. Jallal grinned. Jodha went outside his room to give him some privacy. After two minutes, she went back. She put the food on Jallals lap and leaned on
the bed headboard waiting for him to finish eating. She
took off her shoes and stretched her legs on the bed.
This food is so delicious. Who made this?
I did.
You cooked all of these? Jallal was amused. You have many talents. Your pole dancing was so amazing, keep me awake all night. And this food is so delicious.
Jodha blushed and smiled at him. Thanks. She took
the tray out of his lap and put it on the bedside table. Then, she returned to her position, leaning and stretching beside Jallal on the bed.
You are lucky Im sick Jodha.
Why? She asked him smilingly.
I dream of you every night, having you in my bed. I cant believe you are here with me now. Jallal moved closer, his hand touching her hair and running it slowly to her face and lower lip. If Im not sick now, you are already naked in less than two minutes.
Jodha gasped and instantly fled.
For the nth time mam, dont worry, Im fine here. Im doing my very best to learn more in running a
business. Im working as Jallals Executive Assistant
right now, and hes training me systematically from
strategic planning, controlling and directing an organization. Ill do my very best to learn more within a
short span of time.
Im happy that youre learning a lot from Jallal and youre getting along with him. You know, its our wish for you to marry him someday. Jodhas mother,
Mainavathi Singh said on the phone.
Mam, you said the marriage is off, thats why
Im training here, so I could run our family business
when I get back there in India. Jodha reasoned out,
trying to convince her mother to forget the idea of
marriage.
Well talk about that after your training. Your pap still
wanted you to marry Jallal. But Im sure he would listen to you, once you have a sincere talk with him. Just do well with your training.
Okay mam. I miss you and pap. After a while, Jodha
put down the phone. Most of the night, Jodha spent time talking on the phone, with her mother, or her friends, Fairy and Rani. After that, she would watch the news and her favorite TV series, while having dinner on her own.
She was just about to sleep when her cell phone rang.
Hello Jodha.
Surya. Her heart sang with delight.
I kept on thinking about you Jodha. Im here entertaining my business associates in a club and I get so bored. I wish you were here with me now.
I dont know what to say Jodha said blushing.
Surya laughed. You are so sweet. I know you are blushing again.
Are you okay now? You were not looking so well this
morning when you came here, you had bruises.
Dont worry, Im fine. I can handle small bruises like
these.
Jallal had bruises too. What happened to both of you? Were you involved in a fight?
Men are different Jodha. We do extreme things like
base jumping, running of the bulls, big wave surfing
and other things. This is what we are made of. We
find satisfaction in doing these thrilling and adventurous activities. And fighting is one of them.
She didnt contradict him. But she disagreed with some
of the risk taking activities that men did.
You are such an angel Jodha, worrying little things like this.
You should be careful in doing activities like that. Its
very risky.
Dont worry. From now on, I wont get involved in any
fight anymore, and I would refrain from doing any
extreme sports.
Im just concerned about your welfare, Surya. You are
my friend.
Just friends? Ouch! He teased her. Im very attracted to you Jodha. I would do anything for you, and give you everything you wish for just be mine.
She heaved a sigh and said. Its not as simple as that Surya. I have to do what my parents wished me to do, as
of now.
I know, having your business training at Jallals office. He groaned. Why dont you come over here in Italy. Ill
train you personally. You will learn a lot of business
skills and strategies from me, rather than being stuck
there in his office. I know I dont have the right to say
this, but Im not comfortable thinking that you are
working with him, he is a charmer.
Jodha laughed and giggled.
He said the same thing about you.
Really? Dont believe him. Im absolutely, not. Im a
one woman man. He said firmly, then he paused. I enjoy talking with you, listening to your soft voice
and that infectious laugh. I wish we were together right
now, perhaps having a romantic dinner, instead of
listening to my business associates rattling about
stocks and investments.
You are a very rich and very good-looking, you could pick any girl you want in there.
I dont want any girl Jodha, I want only you.
Surya please, dont say that.
Im falling for you Jodha.
Im going to come there in Japan, this weekend. I have to see you, or else, Ill go crazy Lets have dinner this Saturday night.
Im not sure... I know.
Please say yes, Jodha.
Okay. She said hesitantly and inhaled deeply. She really didnt want to encourage Surya. She was
not ready to get involved in another relationship, after
Ranveer... and after Jallal rejected her.
Yes, Surya was a very handsome man, like Prince
Charming, or the knight in shining armor, and it was
impossible not to fall for him instantly. He was every
womans dream man. But, love was not her priority
right now, she had to establish her own career
first, and to be very competent in running her
family business.
Jallal was sitting on Jodhas chair, brooding.
Damn it! What took her so long? She usually didnt
come late in the office. She had a date last night, thats
the reason why shes not here yet.
He checked his watch again and raked his hand through
his hair. Then he stood up and started pacing her
office. Surya is in Italy. He just left yesterday. No, she couldnt have dinner with him last night, maybe Charlie
Geez! He was getting paranoid thinking so much about her. He groaned and went back to Jodhas chair. He leaned back and stretched his legs. A minute after, Jodha
arrived looking so fresh and beautiful in her pink and
white executive suite. She had her Chanel bag in her
arm, and her favorite Starbucks espresso in her hand.
She smiled sweetly at Jallal, who was sitting on
her chair. Good morning.
Good morning yourself. You're late!
What? Im not. Its only nine fifteen. Your employees
have fifteen minutes allowance. You are just too
early today.
Jallal stood up and glared at her. But you are usually
here at nine oclock sharp.
Well, I woke up late. I forgot to set the alarm clock
last night. She shrugged her shoulders and put her
bag on her desk.
Who was your date last night?
What? A date?
Yes a date. Wherein a guy took you out for dinner,
trying very hard to impress you, making silly jokes just
to seduce you to bed.
Is that your style? Jodha frowned at him.
Of course not! You are changing the subject Jodha.
Who was your date last night?
Hmm, I cant remember. She shrugged her shoulders.
Jodha!? He gritted his teeth.
For your information, Mister, I didnt go out last night. I
went to bed early, okay. And why are you asking me about this, mind your own business, Jallal.
You are my business. You are our responsibility, while
you are here with us.
Jodha just looked at him, he was really a certified idiot . He seemed jealous, but still he wouldnt admit it. Whatever!
I need the file for today's meeting. Where is it? His
tone was so bossy.
Okay, wait. Jodha went to the filing cabinet to get the
file. He followed her and was standing behind her. When
she got the file, she spun around blindly and collided
with his hard body. She gasped losing her balance, but Jallal was so quick in catching her. His strong arms encircled her small waist immediately, molding her soft curves to the contours of his lean body. Electricity ignited,suppressed passion flamed.They stared at each other for a few seconds, his gaze travelled over her face and searched her eyes.
She could see the burning desire in his eyes, before he
transferred his gaze to her lips. She immediately felt a
sudden delightful shiver down her spine.
Jallals head was coming down. He was angling his
lips to hers. Oh my goodness, hes going to kiss me now!
Just, when his lips almost touched hers, she shoved
him away, plastered the file on his chest.
Heres the file. Hmm she wouldnt be fooled again. She was hurt and feeling rejected before when he told her, that kissing her was a mistake. Iwont let him hurt me again.
Jallal instantly recovered. He cleared his throat,
subconsciously fixed his tie and left her office.
Jodha prepared file copies of the presentation for every
board of directors. She went to Jallals office to show
him the file copies shed printed. Then she stamped
each document with the companys seal, which was
placed at the side of his big mahogany desk.
She was so aware of him watching her like a hawk.
Wherever she went, his eyes followed her. He did not
even attempt to hide the fact that he was staring her.
He is shameless. She thought.
She finished stamping all the file copies and went to
his side for his perusal. She was handing the copies to
him, when his handsuddenly gripped her wrist
and pulled her onto his lap.
Hey! What are you doing? She shrieked and the papers
fell on the floor. Her voice faded as his mouth covered hers hungrily, forcing her lips open with his thrusting tongue.
Jallal... no. She said, gasping for air. Her hands on his chest, pushing him away.
Yes, sweetheart, open your mouth and kiss me properly. Jallal said between kisses. His arms holding her still, tightly on his lap.
Firecrackers exploded inside her. Her emotions whirled
and skidded, she felt transported on a soft and
wispy cloud. His moist, firm mouth demanded a response, and she couldnt bear the temptation to give in anymore. Then she parted her lips and drank in the
sweetness of his kiss. Without any warning,
Jallals office door suddenly opened. A group of
men coming into his office, talking and laughing.
Jodha was so alert in twisting out of Jallals lap
and fell on the floor.
Ouch! She yelped, rubbing her butt. She was under his
desk now.
Shh jallal said, picking the files on the floor.
Jallal! We decided to have our meeting here.
Anyway, we are only six today. Bob and Charlie
couldnt make it. Jallals father, Humayun said. Then
the rest of the men entered the office and settled down
on the chairs in front of
Jallals desk.
Ahum, good morning, gentlemen. He cleared his
throat. It would be more comfortable, if we go to the
conference room.
No, its okay, son. This wont take long, anyway. We
already decided to have our meeting here.
Jallal became agitated. Dammit! Jodha is under my desk. She would feel uncomfortable there for
hours. He exhaled heavily and rubbed his mouth with his
hand. He looked down at Jodha, who was curled up,
her face was on her knees. He scribbled a note.
Im so sorry. This wont take long, promise.
Jallal presided the meeting. He presented his business plans for the New Hotel in California. He tried to rush his presentation, so they would finish early. Oftentimes, his eyes were on Jodha, under his table. Her back must be aching so hard because she shifted position, and was now lying down in supine position, on the floor. Her legs were slightly bent, outside his desk facing him. He was so
distracted staring at her long flawless legs. Her skirt
pulled up, showing her slimthighs. He grinned enjoying
the view. Jodha saw his expression and she just rolled her eyes.
The meeting adjourned within forty minutes.
Jallal sighed with relief when the men went out of
his office. Humayun Mohammed, was the last one to leave. He was about to close the door, when he turned around and faced Jallal.
Son, tell Jodha, she can get out under the desk,
now. He smiled and left.
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